Things to Do at Meramec Caverns – America’s Most Famous Cave

The very first trip I remember as child was visiting Meramec Caverns, along Route 66 in Missouri. Throughout my childhood I remembered how cool it was, and thought someday I should return.  But, as an adult I came to the mindset that it was probably just another kitschy roadside attraction, and I doubted that Meramec Caverns was worth visiting.  In my mind it was in the Mid-Missouri no mans land between St. Louis and Springfield.  I doubted there were enough things to do at Meramec Caverns, or things to do near Meramec Caverns, to make a trip, or even a stop, worthwhile.  

I still have vague images of that first visit, when I was 5 years old – the giant pendulum that never stops near the entrance, descending a stairway into darkness, walking along a metal grating with water flowing beside me (wondering if I would get swept away if I fell in,) colorful stalactites hanging from the ceiling, and the story of Jesse James swimming beneath one of the cave walls and escaping in the Meramec River.  My parents bought me a turquoise ring at the gift shop that I was quite proud of.

As an adult Route 66 had long been gone.  I often drove Interstate 44, on the way to Branson, on the way to Oklahoma City, on the way to Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, and other places.  Each time I drove past the exit to Meramec Caverns.  I saw the dozens of old barnside billboards that had once been Meramec’s primary means of advertising, as well as the modern style billboards.  I thought Missouri was a billboard wasteland, and drove on.   

Finally, my friend VerNessa were nearby on a road trip with no destination and no time frame.  We decided to give visiting Meramec Caverns a try.  We found there are several things to do at Meramec Caverns, and quite a few more things to do near Meramec Caverns.  The question, is Meramec Caverns worth it, was answered.  For us, the answer was a resounding yes, but we’ll give you all the info about the things to do at Meramec Caverns so you can form your own opinion.  

But first, a bit of history.

History of Meramec Caverns

The caves we call Meramec Caverns are part of a much bigger cave system that is a few miles long, stretching along the Meramec River in south central Missouri.  It is in an area commonly referred to as the Ozark Plateau, the only highlands in the central states between the Appalachians and the Rockies.  Technically, it is a combination of 4 plateaus all connected, but the stone in this section is primarily a type of limestone.  As ground water seeps through limestone, it gradually creates holes of a sort, an almost porous landscape.  Around 400 million years ago, this began happening in the area of Meramec, creating the cave system, and the water has been carving the holes bigger ever since.  

Prior to European settlement, Native Americans were known to use the various caves in the area for shelter from the elements and animals.  When European settlers came into the area, the Osage Nation were the inhabitants.  They lived in villages and grew vegetable crops, with hunters adopting a nomadic lifestyle during the hunting season.  By 1808 the tribe had been coerced into ceding their claims to the plateau to the American government, and  forced to move westward.  By the mid 1800s, there were virtually no Osage, or any other Native Americans, living in what had become Missouri.  

Shortly after that, the caves were involved in Saltpetre production during the Civil War.  Saltpetre, also known as Potassium Nitrate, was a necessary component in the production of gun powder for munitions.  As strange as it sounds, in caves it was made by collecting the bat guano, soaking it in water for at least a day, filtering it, then collecting the crystals that had formed in the filtered water.  It sounds pretty gross, but it is still better than the alternative methods of generating saltpetre!  Ultimately, the production factory was destroyed by Confederate troops.

Sometime after that, it is said that Jesse and Frank James used the caves as a hideout.  Whether or not that is true I cannot say. Many places in Missouri claim to have been a hideout of of the James brothers.  But there is a story about law enforcement finding remnants of a well known James Brother’s crime in the caves, and searching the caves for the brothers to no avail.  A later discovery that it was possible to go under some of the walls of the cave to adjoining rooms, through the water circumstantially supported the belief that they had indeed been there.  The world will never know, but it is a good story.  It has brought many James brothers fans to the caves over the decades.  

In 1926 Route 66 became a national highway, crossing Missouri just 3 miles north.  By the early 1930s it was the most traveled highway in the country.  Meanwhile, the son of a local landowner, Lester B Dill, was exploring the area, trying to find caves worth attempting to attract visitors.  He had already been working as a guide to nearby Fischer Cave, in Meramec State Park, and he thought there was money to be made, with the highway so close by.  After some preparation, Meramec Caverns was opened as a “show cave” in 1935.

Over the years Mr. Dill would promote the cave in any number of ways.  Paying local school children to affix tie-on bumper stickers to visitors’ cars while they toured, to the hundreds of barn roof signs along Route 66, and across the country may be the most widely known.   There were many other publicity endeavors, including a man who claimed to be the real Jesse James, and a climb up the Empire State Building.  Ultimately, Meramec would become one of the most widely known cave systems in the country, if not the world.  Although that popularity has diminished since the heyday, the things to do at Meramec Caverns have definitely increased.

Things to do at Meramec Caverns

You can come to Meramec for the cave tour, then make a day or weekend of it, or even more. While I think the cave tours are outstanding, and they alone make Meramec Caverns worth it, if you do not feel the same way, perhaps all of these other things to do at Meramec Caverns, followed by all of the things to do near Meramec Caverns, will give you enough reasons to visit.

Cave Tours, of course

Of all the things to do at Meramec Caverns this is the one most people come for, and the cave tours at Meramec are outstanding.  I have done a lot of cave tour over the years, and it is a wondrous cave.  There are more rooms of incredible formations than most caves I have seen, many types of formations, and they are densely packed.

There are 7 full stories of known rooms within the caverns, although the tour will only take you to 5. You will go up and down between floors, but the ascents and descents are fairly gently. Along most of the path there is a flow of water alongside the boardwalk, and in many places the water produces a striking reflection of the stalactites above.

There are many different types of formations, from the standard stalactites and stalagmites, to soda straws and flow stone. There is even a room of delicate cave corals that formed under water, where the caves most unique feature, the wine table, is found. The room was originally named the wine room as the formations resembled clusters of grapes, seen below.

There are many different types of formations, from the standard stalactites and stalagmites, to soda straws and flow stone. There is even a room of delicate cave corals that formed under water, where the caves most unique feature, the wine table, is found. The room was originally named the wine room as the formations resembled clusters of grapes, seen below.

In most rooms standard lighting visually enhances the formations, but in a few locations colored lighting is used, resulting in a gorgeous kaleidoscope projection. In two locations there are formations that they say are the largest of their type in the world. The last of these is a huge flowstone curtain that is so large it is used as a movie screen, as every tour concludes with a tribute to US Veterans played on this stage.

Tours depart about every 30 minutes starting at 09:00, and no reservation is required.  The tour lasts about an hour and 20 minutes, and includes about a mile and a quarter of walking.  Although there are walkways throughout, the caves are not accessible, nor stroller friendly, as there are a number of stairs. 

Meramec is open every day except in January, when it is only open weekends, and closing time varies by the season, being as late as 7:30 in the summer and as early as 4:00 in February. We’ll share more photos at full size throughout the rest of the story.

Learn the History of the Area

As a history buff, I always want to learn a little about the places we are visiting, and Meramec was no exception.  The exhibit area near the cavern’s entry has two displays.  One of them is about cave exploration in the United States, and the other is a short history of Franklin County, presented over a series of panels, which I appreciated.  There is also an old civil war era iron canoe on display. 

Shop the Gift Shops

There is an extensive gift shop inside of the caverns, with a variety of items.  Many of the items are those very typical of what you would find in an outdoor attraction gift shop.  There are also those which are specific to Meramec, and the local area, such as works by local craftsmen and artists.  There is a large array of gem and mineral based offerings, including some very elaborate pieces with large amethyst crystals. 

Pan for Gold

If the children are shopping for their gems, perhaps they would enjoy finding their own valuables or souvenirs.  This is one of the seasonal things to do at Meramec Caverns, so during the summer months, (June through August) you can give it a shot at the “Meramec Mining Company.”  

Visitors can purchase a bag of rough in a number of sizes, costing between 9 and 26 dollars, depending on size and content.  Besides the basic gold rough, there are compositions for arrowheads, fossils or emeralds.  A sluice box is used in a raised stream to sift off the non-valuable sediment.  Panners get to keep whatever gold or gems they may extract

Zipline

The adrenaline lovers of your group may love the Caveman Zipline course the most of all the things to do at Meramec Caverns.  The course moves through the woods and along the river with three skybridges, and 4 ziplines, up to 1250 feet in length.  They say it is possible to reach up to 50 miles per hour on the longer lines.  

Caveman ziplining is open daily from May through September, and on the weekends in April and October.  Be aware that there are age and weight requirements on both ends of the spectrum.  Reservations are required.

Climb the Caveman Wall

Wall climbing is quite the rage these days, and Meramec has entered the game.  The Caveman wall is 40 feet high, and features 4 different levels of difficulty.  Also one of the seasonal things to do at Meramec Caverns, it is open every day during the summer months, and like ziplining there are both minimum and maximum weight requirements.  No reservation is required.

Raft Down the Meramec

I have rafted and floated down the Meramec a few times, and each time had a very memorable experience.  It is fun for children and adults.  Meramec Caverns offers 6 mile kayak, canoe and inflatable raft float trips from a set departure time from April through September, weather dependent.  Rafts generally have room for a cooler, so you can pack a picnic lunch, and pull off to a nice beach area for lunch.  A shuttle drops your party off at the departure point, and you float back to the caverns.

Be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and a waterproof container for your phone and other essentials.  Lifejackets are provided.  You are better off having clothes on, otherwise, you may get sunburned if it is a summer day.  We went the weekend before Labor Day, and even with sunblock, we were fried crispy!  You can strip down to your bathing suit if you decide to get into the water.   

Take a River Cruise Tour

If you want to get out on the water without spending several hours, or being in the sun, Meramec also has a canopy topped river boat.  The Cavern Queen Boats take guests out on a 30 minute sightseeing excursion with a knowledgeable guide.  Stories and historical facts about the area will narrate the short trip on the river.  It is one of the more relaxing things to do at Meramec Caverns, so sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds.  The boats are open every day from June through August.

Camp by the River

A well planned camping trip can be one of the ultimate adventures, or quite relaxing, depending on your preferences.  Meramec has a large campground with well shaded riverside primitive sites for tents, and numerous electric hook-up sites for RVs.  The campground has a playground, pavilions, barbecue pits and a concessions stand.  There are restrooms and a shower house available for all campers.  The grounds are open from April 1 to October 31. 

Fish the Most Diverse River in Missouri

The Meramec River is well known for its excellent fly fishing, so the caverns are the perfect place to put the art into practice.  If you are not a skilled fly fisherman, regular anglers will find the river rewarding as well.  The river has one of the most diverse mixes of aquatic life in the country. This section of the river is particularly known for spotted bass and catfish, but you can also reel in sunfish, bluegill, and both small and largemouth bass.  It is the onlyone of the tings to do at Meramec Caverns that can result in a good dinner, now, or after returning home. For those who do not have a Missouri fishing license, a daily fishing permit can be purchased for $8.00.

Things to Do Near Meramec Caverns

If you are spending a little more time at the caverns, you may need a few more things to do. Once you leave the Meramec Caverns compound, we have found 14 fun things to do near Meramec Caverns. All of them are between 3 and 26 miles away, so less than 30 minutes of driving time.

Riverside Wildlife Center – 3 Miles

The closest thing to do near Meramec Caverns, Riverside Wildlife Center is a small animal attraction which allows for close interaction with the animals. Children will particularly enjoy getting to hold some of the smaller critters, such as the baby alligators.  Located just down the road from the caves, the wildlife center looks like a relic from the 50s as you pass by.  That is because all funds brought in go to the care of the animals, and not to building renovations.  

It is one of those mixed feelings kind of places, as the enclosures are small, but it is clear that the owners and volunteers care very much for the animals.  Most have come from abusive situations and/or abandonment, and the center is a better situation for them.

Jesse James Wax Museum – 4 Miles

Located right off of Interstate 44, the Jesse James Wax Museum has been a Stanton staple for decades.  Owned by the same family that owns the caverns, the museum presents evidence to substantiate the possibility that the caves were a James hideout, among other aspects of the “true story of Jesse James.”  There are wax figures of James gang activities, which although a bit humorous, you’ll learn about some of the most notorious criminal events of the late 19th century.  

On a more serious note, the museum also features actual James family artifacts, a valuable antique gun collection, affidavits and witness statements, and even actual Jesse James autopsy photos.  Old west aficionados and conspiracy theorists will be thrilled, and others will find it interesting fun.  The museum is open daily from 9-6 during the summer months, and on weekends from 9-5 April, May, September and October. Unfortunately I am almost always passing this way in the winter months, and have not been able to visit the museum.

Wild Animal Adventures – 5 Miles

Wild Animal Adventures is another small zoo with a retro appearance, this one located on the old Route 66 just outside of town.  In reality it is not as vintage as it looks, and is frequently expanding its family of animals.  Adventures has everything from stingrays and sharks, to kangaroos, alligators and bears.  There are both indoor and outdoor animal living areas, depending on the size and nature of the creature, and they are clean and well kept.  

The facility also features a jungle playground, koi pond, and a petting zoo for children.  In addition, there are special encounter experiences that are available at an additional fee, such as feeding the sharks or playing with the baby dingoes.  Adventures is currently open daily from 10-5, year round.

Eagle Lanes and  Fun Zone – 10 Miles

Perhaps throwing a few strikes will best round out your day, and you can do just that at Eagle Lanes in Sullivan, Missouri. They have everything you would expect at a small town bowling alley, including lanes, a diner, a bar, and an arcade area, and they run a variety of specials that include 2 hours on the lanes with pizza and pitchers of pop.  The Rock and Roll Diner also serves burgers, sandwiches, salads and pub type appetizers, and there are stronger beverages for the adults at the Bier Haus.  The Fun House houses a variety of popular arcade style games that include driving, shooting, hoops, and pinball, as well as pool tables.

Sullivan Roller Skating Rink – 10 Miles

Although it would most likely only come into play if you opted to spend a night in the area, Sullivan Roller Skating Rink is another of the things to do near Meramec Caverns that may be a surprising and fun option.  With a standard size skating area, and rental roller skates, anyone can join in on the fun for public skates.  Hours are quite limited, but your children may be interested if you are spending a weekend.  Public skates are offered on Friday and Saturday nights, from 7-10, and it is quite affordable.

Sample Some Craft Brews – 10 Miles

If something more grown up is on your mind, Muddy Banks Brewery may appeal.  Muddy Banks keeps a handful of in house brews on tap, as well as a few guest taps from other breweries around the area, in various styles.  As I write, on tap includes a pale ale, an amber ale and a red ale, as well as an IPA, a stout, and a lager, plus a hard cider and craft distilled gin and tonic.  Pick what appeals, or try a flight.  Muddy Banks also serves food for the whole family, with a smoked meat specialty.  

Get Out on the Greens – 10-18 Miles

If golf is your game then trying out a new course might be your preference of the things to do near Meramec Caverns.  There are 3 full 18 hole courses and driving ranges within a short distance.  The Sullivan Golf Club, which is  about 10 miles west, has a full 18 hole course, putting and chipping areas, and a driving range.  Meramec Lakes Golf Course, located 17 mile northeast, is known for the lovely scenery along its 18 holes, and it also has a driving range.  Birch Creek Golf Course is found about 19 miles northeast, and it specially caters to travelers who want to take in a round as a break from the road. 

Hike the Bluffs – 16 Miles 

If hiking is how you enjoy spending time, the rocky terrain of the area allows for some challenging and enjoyable trails, particularly at nearby Meramec State Park.  Stop by the visitors area to see fascinating exhibits on the natural and cultural resources of the area, particularly the river itself, and the extensive list of aquatic life.  You’ll find a huge aquarium, a life-size riverbank diorama, a collection of the river’s endangered mussel species, and a slide show, among other features.  

The park encompasses 13 miles of trails, with various degrees of difficulty, or by what you will encounter on each trail, which range from bluff views, cave entrances, stream crossings, bluff bases, and abandoned blast furnaces.  The park actually butts up against the Meramec Caverns area, but when driving it is 16 miles away. 

Rustic Cave Exploration -19 Miles

If you are a real cave lover, perhaps another, but different kind of cave will appeal to you.  Fisher Cave is actually part of the Meramec State Park, and you can drive to the entrance from an access road near the visitors center.  Fisher has actually been a show cave far longer than Meramec, but it is different, more primitive, and cave tours are typically done by lantern light.  Not only does this result in a much more natural feeling to the cave, the lack of electrical lighting flooding the chambers allows cave wildlife to be more active.  Fisher is closed during the winter months for bat hibernation.  Tours are offered at set times, and can be reserved ahead on the website.

Do Some Antiquing – 12-18 Miles

If you are an antique collector, or simply a browser like me, you might enjoy one of the large antique shops along I44.  About 12 miles down the interstate you’ll find Half Crocked Antiques, a single owner shop with a good variety and a quirky atmosphere.  Five miles further, Country Cousins Antiques is an antique mall, with multiple sellers having parcels in a single larger warehouse.  If those two don’t give you your fill, another 6 miles down the highway you will find two more malls, Two Old Crows, and Lonestar Antique Mall.

Wining and Dining – 21 Miles

If wine and music sounds like a good evening agenda, Belmont Winery is open on Fridays and Saturdays at noon.  They make 10 different wines on the property, from the very dry to the sweet.  The kitchen also serves wings, appetizers and wood-fired pizzas.  Through the summer months they have live music from 5-8 on Saturdays.  It is located on Old Route 66 just off I44 about 20 miles west of the turn off for Meramec. 

Osage Trail Legacy Monument – 26 Miles

While it is only a quick stop, it is a worthy stop if you make your way to Cuba for other things to do near Meramec Caverns.  Located outside the Cuba Visitors Center, the monument pays homage to the Native Americans that lived on the land.  It is a striking depiction, and there are informational panels that convey a bit about the tribe.  Inside the center there is more information about the Osage Nation, as well as other attractions in Cuba.

Browse the Historic Toy Cars – 26 Miles

Auto or semi lovers will not want to be in the area without spending some time at the Antique and Collectible Toys on Wheels exhibits.  If you saw the remnants of the toy museum next door to the Jesse James Museum, and wondered what happened, you don’t have to be quite as disappointed.  After the museum closed, the Midwest Travel Plaza was able to secure an agreement to display the Bruce Barnes Collection of antique toy vehicles.  It is a substantial collection, and well worth stopping at the travel plaza for, even if you don’t need to fill up.

Cuba Mural Walk – 26 Miles

Cuba is often referred to as the mural city, having become known for its mural walk which depicts significant moments in the city’s history, beginning with the Osage tribe, moving through the Civil War era, and up to the heyday of Route 66.  There are surprising historic events, such as Amelia Earhart’s emergency landing in the city, or Betty Davis’ stop for dinner.  Pick up a Cuba Mural Walk map while at the Visitors Center.  The city has fallen in love with the idea of public art and you will find additional murals both inside and outside throughout the town.  Heck, even the traffic control boxes tell a story.

Get Educated – 26 Miles

Cuba also features a small history museum with a rather eclectic mix of exhibits, including an 1850s kitchen, a turn of the century one room schoolhouse, a century of wedding dresses, the Osage, the military, and Route 66.  If any of those categories are among your interests, or you are simply a history buff, the Crawford County Historical Society and Museum is worth a visit.  

Not Quite Enough Things to Do Near Meramec Caverns?

If you are going to be in the area long enough that you don’t mind driving a bit further, you may be interested in these unique attractions.  They are just a bit further, but still close enough to be considered things to do near Meramec Caverns, in the realm of things. All will take between 30 minutes and one hour to get to.

Six Flags St. Louis – 36 Miles

The ultimate amusement park in the central states, features the iconic Log Flume, DC themed rides, and the one time fastest roller coaster on the planet, the Screaming Eagle.  Six Flags St. Louis is located 36 miles, or a 40 minute drive away.

Meramec Music Theater – 35 Miles

Live performances by local musicians are presented on Saturday nights once or twice a month at Meramec Music Theater.  It is located 35 miles, or a 45 minute drive away.

Meramec Springs Park – 46 Miles

A super cool park that has been called the most beautiful place in the state, with a trout hatchery, turquoise blue natural spring, abandoned iron forge, and two museums.  Meramec Springs Park is located 46 miles, or an hour drive away.

Fugitive Beach – 57 Miles

A really cool water park in a former quarry, with cabanas on a real sandy beach, slides of different heights, and cliff jumps.  Yes, cliff jumps. Lifeguards are on duty and life jackets are required for certain attractions.  Fugitive Beach is located 57 miles, or  just over an hour away.

Enough Things to Do at or Near Meramec Caverns for You?

Whether you are passing through the area on a Route 66 Road Trip, or even spending a weekend in St. Louis, we think Meramec Caverns are beautiful and intriguing enough to visit. But, if you want more than the cave tours, there are enough things to do at Meramec Caverns to fill a day or two. And if you are looking for somewhere to spend a few days, we think there are enough things to do near Meramec Caverns to make it a worthy destination for a few days. We hope you’ll give it a try soon!

Love Caves?

Then you might also like:

• Mammoth Cave National Caves
• Cathedral Caverns State Park
• Wind Cave National Park
• Hannibal, Missouri and the Mark Twain Cave

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